OPTIONS KEY STAGE 4 CURRICULUM GUIDE MILLAIS SCHOOL

All the information is on the moodle. There is a booklet running to around 50 pages which you can read. We do not print 300 copies for everyone to have one. OPTIONS KEY STAGE 4 CURRICULUM GUIDE MILLAIS SCHOOL

What subjects do I have to take? All pupils study several compulsory GCSEs English Language English Literature Mathematics Science – leading to two GCSEs One Modern Foreign Language MILLAIS SCHOOL

The remaining three courses that are compulsory but do not lead to a GCSE are… Core Physical Education* Computing Personal Development, Core RE* & Citizenship. * GCSE RE and GCSE PE are also option courses. MILLAIS SCHOOL

Newly reformed and traditional GCSEs. There are new GCSEs in most subjects including English and Maths where GCSEs will be graded 9 – 1. Some GCSEs for example in DT and Languages remain with A*-G grades. Coursework and controlled assessment have reduced substantially or been stopped in most subjects. There is more content in the new GCSEs and they are designed to be more challenging then previous GCSEs. MILLAIS SCHOOL

How many subjects do I select myself? These are the subject areas to choose from: One Modern Foreign Language Four Open Choice Courses Five options in total MILLAIS SCHOOL

Why have I been allocated a pathway and what does it mean? A requirement of the Department for Education is to offer pupils an education directed more specifically at their abilities and strengths. We want you to select courses that you enjoy, are good at and can do well in. MILLAIS SCHOOL

Why have I been allocated a pathway and what does it mean? There are three pathways… Endeavour (8 to 10 GCSEs) Ambition (10 GCSEs) Challenge (10 GCSEs) Most options are the same but there are some variations. For example Additional Maths (higher level qualification) is only on the Challenge Curriculum. MILLAIS SCHOOL

How do I complete the form? You should… Circle one subject from the Modern Foreign Languages section Circle four subjects from the Open Choice section and write down one reserve choice MILLAIS SCHOOL

What subjects are new at Key Stage 4? Business & Communication Systems Child Development Citizenship Computer Science Food Preparation and Nutrition Media Studies Music Technology Photography Statistics Statistics & Additional Maths Triple Science MILLAIS SCHOOL

How should I get the balance right? It is important that you do a variety of subjects to widen your opportunities in education and employment. In the “open choice” section of the form, subjects are grouped. Try to pick one or two at most from each list. This will then give you a balanced and varied workload. MILLAIS SCHOOL

Will my choices affect my long term career aspirations? Not in most cases but they could do. You may need to consider what subjects may be useful to you in your chosen career, if you have one. MILLAIS SCHOOL

What teachers will I have for my GCSEs? At this stage we don’t know! It will depend on the options that you select and timetabling. Some teachers will inevitably leave and others will arrive. IT’S STUPID TO PICK A SUBJECT JUST BECAUSE YOU LIKE OR DISLIKE THE TEACHER MILLAIS SCHOOL

If I choose the same subjects as my friends will we be together? Probably not. Even if you have the same options you may not be together or at the same time. New bands are created based on options. You will meet new pupils and make new friends! MILLAIS SCHOOL

What is the English Baccalaureate? Pupils will gain an accreditation called the English Baccalaureate provided they gain a grade C equivalent or above in: English Maths 2 Sciences / Computer Science A Language History or Geography MILLAIS SCHOOL

How long have I got to choose my Options? You have until Tuesday 1 March to hand your form in. Consider your choices carefully and complete the form in pencil in case you change your mind! MILLAIS SCHOOL

You can write any queries you have on the back of the Options Form at the bottom. Parents and carers can contact Mr Shepherd via MILLAIS SCHOOL

Will I definitely get my first choice? Normally you will, but occasionally groups are too small and we can’t offer them or some combinations of subjects cannot be timetabled. This is why you select a reserve choice. If there are any problems with your choices we will discuss them with you on an individual basis. MILLAIS SCHOOL

What if I change my mind after I have handed in my form? You cannot change your mind after you have received notification of your choices in the Summer Term. MILLAIS SCHOOL

OPTIONS KEY STAGE 4 CURRICULUM GUIDE MILLAIS SCHOOL